Business Class Flight Review on Vietnam Airlines
On a recent long-haul flight from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Airlines showcased its top-tier service on board an 6.8-year-old Airbus A350-900 (VN-A896).
The Business Class cabin on this aircraft features Cirrus III Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout, providing direct aisle access and full flat beds for enhanced comfort on extended flights. Each semi-private seat includes a coat hook, storage bin, extendable armrests, and a minibar-style space for small items. Legroom is ample, with a ~1-meter-deep foot cubby, personal reading lights, a sturdy side-stowed tray table, and a recline control panel.
Seats come with a soft pillow, thick blanket, and house slippers, while Business Class lavatories are slightly more spacious than Economy/Premium Economy. Passengers can enjoy an inflight entertainment system offering Korean, Western, and Vietnamese movies, music, and an inflight map, although some may find it beneficial to incorporate additional features like a Head-Up Display (HUD) view or external camera.
The flight featured two meal services. The first meal service included a Marinated Prawn with Salmon Tarator, Steamed Ling Fillet Chinese-style, and assorted desserts. The second meal service before landing offered three options: Smoked Salmon with Avocado Salad, Chicken Mushroom Pie, and Dim Sum Trio, consisting of Char Siu Pork Bun, Spinach Prawn Dumpling, and Pork Siu Mai.
Vietnam Airlines' long-haul A350s feature Safran Cirrus III Business Class seats with direct aisle access. The airline's Business Class passengers are entitled to a visit to the SkyTeam Alliance Lounge at Sydney International. In addition, each passenger receives a Cerruti 1881 amenity kit containing various items.
It's worth noting that Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A350 configurations differ between long-haul and short-haul flights primarily in Business Class seat layout, meal services, and amenities. On short-haul routes, the Business Class seats may have a more standard recline but not fully lie-flat, with a denser seat arrangement to accommodate more passengers. Meal service is simpler, often consisting of shorter meal or snack options since flight duration is shorter. Amenities are more basic, generally including simpler amenity kits and standard entertainment features, focusing on comfort but without many extras found in long-haul configurations.
Lastly, it's important to mention that WiFi is unavailable on this long-haul flight. However, Vietnam Airlines' cabin crew consistently delivers top-tier service, rivaling the best in the industry. This flight exemplifies Vietnam Airlines' commitment to providing a premium experience for its passengers on long-haul flights.
Engaging with the lifestyle offerings, the Business Class passengers could enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including Korean, Western, and Vietnamese movies, music, and an inflight map. Technological advancements such as the incorporation of a Head-Up Display (HUD) view or external camera could further enhance this experience. Travelers planning their next adventure might also find interest in news about the airline's recent showcase of its top-tier service, particularly on long-haul flights like the one from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City, which features Safran Cirrus III Business Class seats offering direct aisle access.
